Background More than 100,000 motorcyclists have died in traffic crashes since the enactment of the Highway Safety Act of 1966. The number of motorcyclist fatalities greatly decreased from 1980 to 1997, but from 1997 to 2001, fatalities increased almost 49 percent. In 2002, 3,244 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 65,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. Both fatalities and injuries increased from 2001 totals. NHTSA focus in the motorcycle safety arena centers on preventing motorcycle crashes; decreasing motorcycle crash injuries and fatalities; increasing the proportion of properly licensed motorcyclists; promoting motorcycle safety education; supporting helmet laws; and, encouraging use of helmets and other protective gear. Rider education has been a priority in NHTSA grants and State motorcycle safety programs.

ObjectiveMuch information is needed regarding motorcycle safety programs, especially regarding the effectiveness of rider training programs and on alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities. Investigate relationship between State spending on motorcycle safety programs and motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries. Determine if funding is effectively focused on motorcycle safety issues.

Proposed Approach Review State spending data and determine spending by motorcycle safety program area (e.g., rider training, impaired riding, licensing requirements, helmet and protective gear laws, etc.). Review motorcycle crash data. Correlate the spending data with the crash data. Compare motorcycle crash rates and characteristics, especially those of young drivers, in States with extensive rider education programs and States without such programs (taking into account external factors such as climate and population density). The evaluation may require 1-3 years, depending on the extent of data collected about State programs, and whether a contractor or NHTSA staff gathers the data.